Rocketing fruit and vegetable prices – as a result of Brexit - could lead to 12,400 extra deaths from heart disease and stroke over the next decade, according to researchers.

The new study looked at the potential impacts of four different types of Brexit, and found ‘no-deal’ Brexit will have the biggest impact on health, with intake of fruit and vegetables expected to fall by around 11.4% and 9% respectively.

The paper, published in the BMJ open, used the IMPACT food policy model, which combines a wide range of dietary intake, economic, and health data to estimate potential consequences.

Fruit and vegetable intake - proven to be linked to cardiovascular health - is already below recommended levels for more than half of the UK population, but it is expected to fall further under each of the Brexit scenarios, with a ‘no-deal’ exit being the most harmful, the study said.

The researchers from Imperial College London, the University of Liverpool, and the Medical University of Gdańsk highlighted the UK is heavily dependent on fruit and vegetable imports – 84% and 48%, respectively in 2017– and costs for these are set to rise significantly after Brexit.

The study said: ‘Our model suggests that a no-deal Brexit scenario would be the most harmful, generating approximately 12 400 (6690 to 23 390) extra CVD deaths between 2021 and 2030, whereas establishing a free trading agreement with the EU would have a lower impact on mortality, contributing approximately 5740 (2860 to 11 910) extra CVD deaths.’

‘The UK Government should therefore carefully consider the population health implications of Brexit during upcoming negotiations and post-Brexit planning, particularly adverse changes to food systems.’

The Government is coming under increasing pressure to answer concerns over the impact of a ‘no-deal Brexit on healthcare.

We are where we are in history :
Things have developed to this point where neither side , namely Remain or Leave , will ‘convince’ the other to back down . And the arguments against each other have and will become a new social norm , whether you like it or not .
Like I previously wrote , I think we , medical professionals ,should reserve our opinions to ourselves simply because we are looking after patients from both camps everyday .
Today’s news is tomorrow’s history. Fake news will not have the quality to become history, I believe. History will be the judge.
And more importantly , there are always lessons to learn from history. Take one step backwards and look at this swathe of the big picture: perhaps , this merely represents a new chapter of British democracy under the new circumstances in 21st century.

lol its so fake no one can believe it. Those University researchers have just brought their institution's credibility into question. Brexit would make it easier to import from outside of the EU. Prominent remainers are on record as saying food would be cheaper, and wages would rise, which they already have. I call BS on Imperial College London, the University of Liverpool, and the Medical University of Gdańsk